The definitions in this glossary, which was the original
internet posting of the
Kwan Um School's glossary, are in the process of being replaced by definitions
developed by the Universal Zendo. This is an ongoing project, with new items appearing on
an approximately weekly basis. In the mean time, definitions due to the Kwan Um School are
flagged by the notation "(KU)".

(KU) a being whose actions promote unity or harmony; one
who vows to postpone one's own enlightenment in order to help all sentient beings realize
liberation; one who seeks enlightenment not only for oneself but for others. The
bodhisattva ideal is at the heart of Mahayana and Zen
Buddhism.

1: awakened; an awakened being, one who has come to notice
or understand ultimate reality. 2a: (capitalized) Siddhartha Gautama (6th century BC), the
historic founder of Buddhism; 2b: (capitalized) any one of several ideal personages such
as Amitabha, Vairocana, or Maitreya. See the Three Treasures.
[Other definitions: KU]

(KU) that which all sentient beings share and manifest
through their particular form; according to Zen, the Buddha
said that all things have Buddha-nature and therefore have the innate potential to become buddha.

1: phenomenon, entity. 2: the essential principles
governing the existence of cosmic or individual phenomena, especially the law of causation
or karma. 3: (capitalized) these same principles as espoused in the
teachings of the Buddha. See the Three
Treasures. [Other definitions: KU]

1: community, assembly, association. 2a: (capitalized) the
community of renunciants; 2b: (capitalized) an association of
Buddhist monks or nuns; 2c: (capitalized) the community of all Buddhists. See the Three Treasures. [Other definitions: KU]

(KU) literally, "valorous or intrepid
concentration," paraphrased "to leap like a tiger while sitting." In the
West it is a short silent retreat of two to seven days involving thirteen hours of formal
meditation practice a day. Participants follow a schedule of bowing, sitting, chanting,
eating, and working, with an emphasis on sitting meditation. During the retreat each
participant has interviews with a Zen Master or Ji
Do Poep Sa Nim.